5/06/2008

Are American kids being over medicated? An important question being asked as a new study from the Journal of Pediatrics makes headlines. Right now, the most commonly used anti-psychotic drugs being prescribed to kids, treat autism and hyperactivity.Here in the U.S. kids are being prescribed these drugs at alarmingly higher rates, about six times more than kids in the U.K. Experts also say prescription rates overseas are on the rise. Many are wondering, why? One report suggests that the U.K's universal healthcare system limits prescribing practices. Doctors overseas are typically much more conservative when it comes to prescribing psychiatric drugs.... But, here in the U.S. direct to consumer ads are much more common, raising consumer awareness and demand for medications.